Final week of skating season for Ice Rink at Millennium Park in Portage

PORTAGE, MI – It’s the final week this season for the Ice Rink at Millennium Park, and despite some unpredictable weather at times attendance at the area’s only outdoor refrigerated skating rink has been good.

Sunday, March 3, marks the final day for the 2012-13 skating season, and if the weather cooperates you’ll be able to get in the last days of skating Wednesday through Sunday at the rink, 280 Romence Road.

Opening a week later than usual in December and dealing with almost spring-like conditions at times has not shaved attendance, said Tricia Keala, Portage Department of Parks, Recreation and Public Services recreation program manager.

“We have had good attendance this year, especially over the winter break period,” Keala said, adding that the rink averages about 8,000 to 8,500 skaters a year. “It’s been pretty consistent and on track this year.”

Weather has not hurt the numbers as much as some might expect, she said, and in fact the mostly steady temperatures have actually helped ice rink crews with maintaining a good ice surface.

“They’ve really worked hard to keep the ice in good shape,” Keala said.

The rink is closed Monday and Tuesday and will be open 3-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday (Discount Days, $1 off both skating and skate rentals), 3-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

The cost to skate is $4 a day and $3 a day for skate rental. A 10-skate discount card is available for $25. Skate sharpening is also provided at the rink for $3 a pair.

In addition, the city parks department said that it will honor all past years’ discount cards that are not used up through the end of this season and likely next season. The Portage City Council recently approved a motion to allow the unused passes after some skaters had pointed out that it was unfair not to be able to carry over the unpunched passes for future years.

For more information or to find out rink conditions call 324-9200 or go to the city’s website at www.portagemi.gov.